A week for entrepreneurs
Michigan's activities are most in nation

BY KATHERINE YUNG
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

When Global Entrepreneurship Week kicks off Monday, Michigan will lead the nation with the most activities planned, a positive sign of the changes under way in the state's economy.

At last count, 92 organizations, schools and businesses -- more than in any other state -- had agreed to plan events promoting entrepreneurism during the week of Nov. 16 through Nov. 22. More than 60 activities are expected to be held throughout the state, featuring everything from business plan workshops and competitions to the Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour, said Joseph Venuto, the program's Michigan coordinator.

Entrepreneurialism "is a real hot topic," he said. "When people hear it, they want to flock to it."

The recession and the poor job market have heightened interest in Global Entrepreneurship Week, now in its second year. In 2008, the initiative drew more than 3 million people to 25,022 events in 78 countries. This year, 87 countries are participating, including Ghana and the United Arab Emirates.

"We are trying to open the eyes of more young people to their own potential of being an entrepreneur," said Jonathan Ortmans, president of Global Entrepreneurship Week, which was cofounded by the Kauffman Foundation and Britain's Make Your Mark youth enterprise campaign.

The events are designed to help people, particularly those under age 30, explore entrepreneurism. "We make it free and easy for anyone to test it without making a major commitment," Ortmans said.

The activities planned for Michigan can be found at www.migew.com.

Contact KATHERINE YUNG: 313-222-8763 or kyung@freepress.com